Derbyshire charity with ‘fairy godmother’ founder receives prestigious King’s Award surrounded by 90 special guests and dignitaries
Added by Love Business East Midlands | 24 March 2026
A Derbyshire charity which helps families facing short and uncertain futures to make memories received the King’s Award for Voluntary Service at a special event surrounded by 90 guests.
Melbourne-based me&dee, set up by Maria Hanson MBE, was presented with the award on Thursday by Mr David Coleman QPM DL and Lieutenant Colonel David Dawber TL DL on behalf of his Majesty the King.
The ceremony, at The Central Co-op County Ground, in Derby, was attended by civic dignitaries, including leader of Derby City Council, councillor Nadine Peatfield, the Mayor of Derby, councillor Ajit Singh Atwal, MP’s Baggy Shanker and Samantha Niblett, Maria’s daughters, charity trustees, volunteers, fundraisers and families supported by the charity.
The award is the highest honour a voluntary group can receive in the UK, and is considered equivalent to an MBE. Last year, across Derbyshire, only three organisations achieved this status.
The charity received a certificate signed by the King and a domed glass crystal and will be invited to a royal garden party.
Maria and her charity was nominated in recognition of outstanding voluntary community service over the last 20 years.
